Dental nurses Pay Data UK — 2025

Dental nurses roles in the UK earn a median of £26,151 per year, equivalent to £13.82 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 6.0% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £21,934 to £38,932 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Dental nurses roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Dental nurses

Dental nurses prepare patients for, and assist with, dental examinations, prepare and sterilise instruments and maintain case records.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• prepares patient for examination
• prepares and sterilises instruments and follows guidelines to maintain sterile conditions within the surgery
• hands required equipment and medication to dentist during examination
• assists with minor treatment, such as preparing materials for fillings
• removes water and saliva from patient’s mouth during treatment
• maintains records, processes and mounts x-ray films and undertakes reception duties

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades. Training is available both Off and on-the-job. To become a registered dental nurse, entrants need to complete a course recognised by the General Dental Council.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.